OPINION: Why the Soweto derby has become a dull affair 

The weekend’s Soweto Derby just had to come moments before Mamelodi Sundowns’ showdown with Al Ahly in Cairo.

It’s as if the football gods wanted to remind us of the gulf in class that exists between Mamelodi Sundowns and the two Soweto giants – Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

After watching that drab derby and switching to watching Mamelodi Sundowns hold their own against AL Ahly, you could see the distance in quality.

Rulani Mokwena’s charges stuck to their guns – playing their usual flair – despite the game’s intensity.

Sadly, what’s been undoubtedly the biggest soccer match on the local scene, has been deteriorating over the last few years.

As expected, it took a lapse in concentration to decide the match, just like in the last instalment of the Soweto derby. Unless, of course, you want to call Yusuf Maart’s stunner a moment of brilliance.

But the point is – going into the derby – you know it’ll be decided by a moment of brilliance or a lapse in concentration.

This was no different. And the lapse in concentration came right at the end when we all thought it would end in a draw. 

Here’s why I think the derby has lost its lustre. 

Both Soweto derby teams struggling

Back in the day, both these teams were legitimate title contenders. The fact that this tie was somewhat a decider or indication of where the title was headed adde to the spectacle’s appeal.

And now, the Buccaneers last tasted league title success in 2012, while the Phefeni Glamour Boys last lifted it in 2015.

In essence, the result of the Soweto derby has no bearing on the league title nowadays. While Chiefs completed a double over their rivals, they still remained below them in fourth place.

The quality players

Anyone who watched the derby will agree that the ability to make intelligent decisions isn’t there anymore. The technical ability is below standard.

Sadly, the quality of players determines their actions on the field. The incomplete actions, poor decisions by the forwards, and the lack of bravery to take on space and provide forward passes are all down to the quality of players. 

The truth is that both Chiefs and Pirates have just reduced themselves to mediocrity in recent years. The quality of players they sign and keep is why they’re miles behind Sundowns.

The players are too friendly

A few months ago, Tinashe Nengomasha and Benedict Vilakazi said that back in the day, they stayed in the same complex but would never exchange pleasantries. There was no friendship. When it came to the derby, it was a battle royale. A fiercely contested fight!

Not too long ago, I chatted with Clatous Chama of Simba in Tanzania after witnessing the Kariakoo Derby. 

Chama said he could not afford to be seen with a Young Africans player or official after the derby. He said Simba fans would kill him. 

When Yanga and Simba go against each other,there is no time to be nice. I get the sense that element has been lost in the Soweto derby. It’s just another match for the players.

The dull build-up to the match

The pre-match press conferences were so predictable and boring. You know what both sets of coaches are going to say. In fact, Orlando Pirates’ coach is the most boring football personality I’ve ever had to listen to. Come on; this is Orlando Pirates. If you’re a fan, forget about any trash-talking, no crunching tackles, or a little arguing. It’s all gone!

Players lack passion for their teams

Of course, football has changed, it’s more commercial than ever. I get the sense this means players play for the paycheque. Maybe somecouldn’t care less whether they win or lose. Yesteryear, players lived and died for the badge on their jersey. They would give their all on the pitch. This current crop of players doesn’t have that same attitude. For a football fan, they know effort when they see it. It can’t be faked.

The pressure on the coaches

An unfortunate characteristic of Soweto derbies in recent years has been the low-scoring nature of the matches. Sometimes you feel the coaches play it safe and hope to catch the opponent on the break.

I’ve watched previous derbies where you feel the teams sit back and hope to catch the other on the counter, which is mind-numbingly dull. 

75000 fans didn’t come out to fill the stadium to watch you park the bus and play on the counter. Fans want to see end-to-end action. They want to see goal-mouth action, and goals!

We can only hope that one day we’ll witness those grueling encounters yet again!

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